Metropolitan State University Of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver maintains an open-access admission policy, accepting 99.1% of applicants. This translates to roughly 99 out of every 100 applicants receiving admission offers, making MSU Denver one of the most accessible four-year universities in the nation.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights how much more accessible MSU Denver is compared to typical public institutions, with a 21 percentage point difference in favor of student access. This open-access approach aligns with the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including substantial numbers of transfer students, first-generation learners, and working adults.

The 99.1% acceptance rate means that admission decisions focus primarily on meeting basic eligibility requirements rather than competitive selection among qualified candidates. For prospective students, this removes much of the uncertainty associated with college admission, allowing focus to shift toward program selection, financial planning, and academic preparation for success once enrolled.

Students building college lists should view MSU Denver as a highly reliable option where admission is virtually guaranteed for eligible applicants, making it an excellent foundation school for Colorado residents and others seeking accessible higher education opportunities.

Metropolitan State University of Denver maintains affordable pricing that supports its mission of educational access. The published cost of attendance reaches $22,825 annually, including $10,780 for in-state tuition, $12,045 for room and board, and $1,460 for books and supplies.

Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $29,503, though many students qualify for reduced non-resident rates. However, the average student pays just $14,294 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,531 compared to the sticker price.

This net price falls slightly above the peer median of $15,590 by $1,296, indicating costs remain competitive within MSU Denver's institutional category. The financial aid system effectively reduces costs across income levels, with net prices ranging from $12,364 for the lowest-income students to $21,812 for highest-income families.

Net price variation of $9,448 between income extremes demonstrates progressive aid targeting that makes education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds. The controlled costs support MSU Denver's role as an accessible option for Colorado residents and transfer students seeking affordable bachelor's degree completion.

Students should expect reasonable educational costs that align with the institution's public mission and diverse student population.

MSU Denver graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their careers. Median earnings grow from $45,391 six years after enrollment to $48,919 at eight years and $52,093 at ten years, representing 14.8% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from a substantial ten-year cohort of 8,368 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $1,840 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing MSU Denver in the 63rd percentile for value-added performance.

This uplift indicates the institution's effectiveness in supporting student success beyond what demographic factors alone would predict. Low-income graduates earn $40,400, ranking at the 50th percentile nationally, showing consistent outcomes across economic backgrounds.

Earnings span from $30,445 at the 25th percentile to $75,678 at the 75th percentile, reflecting the university's diverse program portfolio. Approximately 26.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.

The steady earnings trajectory combined with reasonable debt levels supports long-term career advancement for graduates.

MSU Denver offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data, spanning business, healthcare, technology, and liberal arts fields. Computer Science ranks #92 nationally and #3 in Colorado, graduating 85 students with median earnings of $99,081 and a value score of 50.3.

Information Resources Management ranks #35 nationally and #1 in Colorado, producing 83 graduates earning $72,945. Adult Health Nursing ranks #197 nationally but delivers strong Colorado-level performance at #3 statewide, with 114 graduates earning $70,699.

Behavioral Neuroscience stands out as a flagship program, ranking #23 nationally and #1 in Colorado with 207 graduates earning $41,630. Business Administration and Management graduates 172 students annually with median earnings of $59,641, ranking #157 nationally.

The university's largest programs by enrollment include Behavioral Neuroscience, Biology, and Business Administration, reflecting student demand for health sciences and professional preparation. Several programs achieve top rankings within Colorado, including Accounting Technology, Digital Marketing, and Forensic Social Work, indicating strong regional recognition.